Pubdate: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 Source: Quad-City Times (IA) Copyright: 2006 Quad-City Times Contact: http://www.qctimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/857 Author: Kay Luna Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) RI PROJECT OFFERS HOPE TO ADDICTED WOMEN Ametra Carrol used to walk the streets of Rock Island, day and night, looking for her next hit of crack cocaine. Those "10 years of hell" included some drug rehabilitation, and a relapse, with the final straw coming exactly seven years ago this month -- when she nearly died in a hospital bed, the 53-year-old Rock Island woman said Wednesday. She prayed to God that if he let her live, she never would touch drugs again and would turn herself into a community leader. That is exactly what she did. Several Rock Island leaders now credit Carrol's determination to help other addicted women with spurring the Douglas Park Place project, which was celebrated Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony at 720 9th St. The $2 million facility will serve women struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, and give them a place to live -- alongside their children -- as they recover. "My emphasis was this: A family is not solid if a mother is not there to provide," said Alderman Terry Brooks, who helped Carrol approach city officials with the concept about three years ago. "This building is very special to me because I know quite a few young mothers who lost their children and want them back," he said. "Even if we help eight to 10 mothers a year, we will turn this community around." Construction of the eight-unit rental housing development is expected to be complete by October 2007. But Brian Hollenback of the Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation said the project almost did not happen until a $1.76 million grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority arrived to fund a majority of the work. That amount is much higher than the state Housing Trust Fund typically awards to individual projects, Jessica Hoff of the authority said, adding that most qualifying projects receive $750,000 to $1 million from the fund. At one point, Hollenback thought the money would not come through, he said. Other funding sources include $115,000 from the city, along with $50,000 from the Doris and Victor Day Foundation and tax credits producing about $70,000 in cash equity from the National City Bank Community Development Corporation. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity also awarded a $16,000 energy grant for the project. Blackhawk State Bank donated the site, which the Angel's Salsa building formerly occupied. "This should stand as a monument to the residents who are going to be here," Hollenback said, adding that the project demonstrates persistence and determination to overcome adversity -- just like what the residents will face in their recovery. Mayor Mark Schwiebert said the project also will serve as a catalyst for revitalizing Rock Island's Old Chicago neighborhood, where the city plans to tear down some deteriorating homes and provide new housing, greenspace and other economic development opportunities. He said the intersection of 7th Avenue and 9th Street, where Douglas Park Place will go, is especially important in that process. Two-bedroom units will rent for $300 per month while three-bedroom units rent for $400 per month. "We are very proud and pleased to be a part of this," said Susan Anderson of the Rock Island Housing Authority, which will manage the property under its Community Housing Solutions arm. Joan Hartman of Trinity Medical Center's Robert Young Center said an on-site recovery home manager and a program for the women and their children will be provided. Such housing definitely is needed in the Quad-Cities, said 38-year-old Eva McClure of East Moline, who said she is undergoing counseling to recover from an addiction to marijuana. "I think it's a blessing," added Jamuel Carrol Bey, Ametra Carrol's nephew, who moved to the Old Chicago neighborhood two weeks ago. "I think it's much-needed." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman